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Lord Stevens said the primary purpose of his investigation had been to decide whether there was “credible evidence to support an allegation of conspiracy to murder” in relation to Diana’s death.

He said that at the heart of Mr Mohamed al Fayed’s allegations was his belief that the crash was not an accident but was a murder resulting from a conspiracy by the establishment and in particular by His Royal Highness Prince Philip “because of the relationship between Mr Dodi al Fayed and the Princess of Wales”.

Lord Stevens said he had carried out “every reasonable line of inquiry” in order to evaluate whether there was “any evidence to support these extremely serious allegations”.

Mr al Fayed and his legal team had also made allegations about the French investigation, claiming that it was carried out in such a way as to prevent a proper examination of the accident, Lord Stevens said.

He said he had “personally examined” MI5 and MI6 records over a long period of time to try and establish the truth behind the allegations.

The inquiry team had also been in contact with the US intelligence services, who had given their assurance that they had no relevant information that would alter the findings.

Lord Stevens added: “We are confident that the allegations made are unfounded.”

He said that Diana and Dodi’s driver Henri Paul had been drinking on the night of the crash and had an alcohol level of around 1.74 grams per litre at the time of the crash – about twice the British drink drive limit.

And he added it was unlikely that the white Fiat Uno with which Diana’s Mercedes collided in the Alma underpass will ever be traced.

In conclusion Lord Stevens said: “I have no doubt that speculation as to what happened that night will continue and that there are some matters, as in many other investigations, about which we may never find a definitive answer. However, I do not believe that any evidence currently exists that can substantiate the allegation of conspiracy to murder that has been made.”